From left to right: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Washington, District of Columbia; Ken Goodrich, owner, Goettl Good Guys Air Conditioning Repairmen, Tempe, Arizona; Talbot Gee, CEO, Heating, Air-conditioning, and Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI), Columbus, Ohio; and Rocco DiBenedetto, owner, All Air of South Dade, Homestead, Florida.

As 2015 nears, The NEWS is proud to honor those who made a significant impact on the HVAC industry in 2014. This diverse class of NEWSmakers represents government regulation, distribution, contracting, and more. Each honoree instituted a noticeable shift in the industry’s future.

One NEWSmaker, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), altered the entire industry’s future through the regulation of one of the trade’s most popular refrigerants. Due to the substance’s ozone depleting potential, the hydrochlorofluorocarbon is being phased out. No new R-22 will manufactured beyond 2020.

Despite the adverse impacts of the Great Recession, a second NEWSmaker, Ken Goodrich, owner, Goettl Good Guys Air Conditioning Repairmen, Tempe, Arizona, demonstrated that longevity and growth in this industry is attainable.

A third NEWSmaker, Talbot Gee, CEO, Heating, Air-conditioning, and Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI), led his organization in a legal battle against the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) regarding regional energy-efficiency standards. Gee and HARDI fought for what they believed in and emerged victorious, despite pessimism from many in the industry.

Our final NEWSmaker, Rocco DiBenedetto, owner of Homestead, Florida-based All Air of South Dade, is so passionate about battling crooked contractors that he founded a Southern Florida organization devoted to the matter.

While each selection paints a different portrait, they all exemplify the pride and passion it takes to be successful in the HVACR industry. The NEWS is proud to honor its NEWSmaker class of 2014. Click on the links below to read about each winner.

Rocco DiBenedetto: Contractor Battles Unlicensed Contracting

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: EPA Finalizes R-22 Phaseout Timeline

Ken Goodrich: Goodrich Gathers Top Talent in Acquisition

Talbot Gee: HARDI Leader Balances Government, Growth Initiatives

Publication date: 12/22/2014

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